Two undefeated teams square off in State College Saturday when the Penn State Nittany Lions host the UCF Knights. Television coverage begins at 6 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network.
How to watch UCF vs. Penn State 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
The Nittany Lions will try to remain unbeaten against a tough Knights squad.
Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Penn State opened the year with a close 23-17 win over Syracuse, but defeated Eastern Michigan resoundingly last week by a final score of 45-7. The Nittany Lions have gotten surprisingly strong production from freshman quarterback Christian Hackenberg, who has completed over 70 percent of his passes for more than nine yards per attempt. Add to that a balanced running attack led by Zach Zwinak, Bill Belton and Akeel Lynch, and Penn State has seen a strong offense to support its always-excellent defense.
UCF has won two straight blowout games against poor opponents, defeating Akron, 38-7, and FIU on the road, 38-0. The Penn State game should be a gut-check for the Knights, considering it’s impossible to know much about them after beating up on two of the worst teams in the FBS.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Penn State received seven votes in the AP Poll, while UCF received six in the Coaches Poll. The Nittany Lions have won both games in the all-time series.
Vegas: Penn State is a 5.5-point favorite at home. The over-under is 50.5. OddsShark has more.
Weather: A high of 65 with a low of 44, mostly sunny.
Three names to know
Allen Robinson. The Penn State wide receiver has caught 14 passes for 262 yards and two touchdowns and is the Big Ten's leading pass catcher. UCF's defense, which has only allowed seven points over two games, is going to have to contain Robinson to have a chance.
Blake Bortles. The third-year quarterback for UCF has thrown four touchdowns against no interceptions with 12.3 yards per attempt in the Knights' impressive start.
Storm Johnson. Joining Bortles on the all-name team and in the UCF backfield, Johnson has run for nearly five yards per carry and five touchdowns thus far in the year.
Two things at stake
For Penn State, a near-loss against Syracuse raised some eyebrows, and a loss against a smaller opponent would be disastrous.
The Knights have something to prove, and will be taken much more seriously if they defeat the Nittany Lions.
How to witness
TV: 6 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network
Radio: Here’s a list of Penn State affiliates. And here’s your UCF list.
Online streaming: BTN2Go
Further reading
For all your Penn State news, analysis and perspective, check out Black Shoe Diaries.
More from SB Nation:
The 36 best photos from college football’s Week 2
1/36Joshua S. Kelly - USA Today Sports
See More:
